Woodland Lake Trail

The Woodland Lake Trail is generally considered difficult. It features significant elevation gain, steep sections, and rocky terrain, especially in the final miles to Woodland Lake and beyond to Skyscraper Reservoir. It's not recommended for beginners.

The terrain is diverse and challenging. You'll encounter old jeep roads, steep climbs through rich forests, riparian woodlands, and wet meadows. Higher up, it transitions to alpine tundra with rocky areas. Expect muddy sections, especially earlier in the season due to snowmelt. There's also a reported collapsed bridge that requires careful navigation.

Parking at the Hessie Trailhead can be very limited, particularly on weekends, due to the trail's popularity. A free shuttle service from Eldora High School is often recommended to access the trailhead.

For day hikes, permits are generally not required. However, if you plan an overnight trip, camping permits are mandatory between June 1 and September 15. You can find more information on the USDA website.

The best time to hike this trail is typically in July and August. During these months, most of the snowmelt has receded, and the vibrant wildflowers are in full bloom, offering the most pleasant conditions and scenic views.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Woodland Lake Trail. However, it is crucial that they are kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers.

The trail offers diverse and stunning scenery. You'll pass through fertile forests, expansive open meadows, and riparian woodlands. Look out for impressive waterfalls in the earlier sections. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up to alpine views of the surrounding basin walls and Mount Jasper. Both Woodland Lake and Skyscraper Reservoir provide picturesque high alpine settings.

Beyond the general difficulty, hikers should be aware of lingering snowpack well into spring, which can make sections muddy or difficult to traverse. There have also been reports of a collapsed bridge requiring careful navigation, potentially with hiking poles for balance. The high elevation, especially above 11,000 feet, can also make the hike more challenging.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Woodland Lake Trail. However, it also passes through sections of the Hitching Post Loop Trail and the Turkey Track Loop Trail, offering connections to a broader network of paths, including the Continental Divide Trail.

Key destinations include the pristine Woodland Lake, nestled in a gentle valley, and the higher-elevation Skyscraper Reservoir, set within a cirque basin beneath the Continental Divide. You might also spot an old blacksmith cabin in a meadow near the beginning of the hike, and enjoy views of Mount Jasper and various waterfalls.

The roundtrip hike to Woodland Lake and Skyscraper Reservoir can take approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views. This estimate is for the full, more challenging route.